Branded: Hououbiden
From Sake Revolution by Timothy Sullivan, John Puma
July 2, 2025 · 30 min · Season 4 · Episode 179
About this episode
John and Timothy explore the story of Hououbiden, a sake brewery that transformed from near bankruptcy to cult status.
Episode 179. This week, John and Timothy explore another brand profile: Hououbiden from Kobayashi Shuzo in Tochigi Prefecture. How does a brewery go from the edge of bankruptcy to become a coveted cult sake? To quote Huey Lewis, that's the power of love! This brewery is managed by the rare combination of a husband who is the brewery president and a wife who is the Master Brewer/Toji. The sake they make is etherial and elegant. Today's tasting - the Hououbiden "Asahi Mai" Junmai Da...
People in this episode
Hosts: Timothy Sullivan, John Puma
Topics covered
- sake
- brewery management
- cult brands
- Japanese culture
- craftsmanship
Keywords
- Hououbiden
- Kobayashi Shuzo
- sake
- Tochigi Prefecture
- Junmai Daiginjo
- brewery
- craft sake
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Hououbiden, Kobayashi Shuzo
Places: Tochigi Prefecture
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